African Theme Party at Natural History Museum
When a luxury furniture design company approached us to cater their Awards Gala Dinner at The Natural History Museum, they expressed how much they love the diorama backdrops in the halls…especially the African Mammal Hall which features a majestic African elephant dramatically towering over his domain. Using this scene as inspiration, we decided to incorporate cuisine from the four corners of Africa in our menu design for their African theme party.
Natural woven linens, copper chargers, natural wood chairs and centerpieces of rustic bamboo and natural grasses accented the colors and themes of the African dioramas.
Waiters dressed as Safari guides complete with pith hats greeted guests in the Rotunda with Pan African small bite delicacies.
African dancers dressed in colorful costumes entertained guests as they moved on to the main event… an elegant sit-down plated dinner.
While not all of the guests left the gala with an award – everyone left feeling they had a winning culinary experience.
African Theme Menu
Tray-Passed Hors D’oeuvres In the Rotunda
Served by Waiters in Safari Dress –Khaki Pants, White Polo Shirt, Pith Helmet
Flash Fried Pampoenkoekies (Pumpkin Fritters) with Spicy Mango Salsa
Moroccan Scented Grilled Meatballs
Paprika, Garlic, Onion, Mint, and Cool Yogurt
Cucumber Cones with Spicy Dungeness Crab Salad, Saffron Crème
Durban Samosas
Curried Potato & Pea Pastry Triangles , Mango Atchar
Curried Coconut Chicken Salad in Phyllo Cups
Sit-Down Plated Dinner In the African Mammal Hall
First Course
Roasted Beet and Orange Salad
Medjool Dates, Feta Cheese, Toasted Marcona Almonds,
Pomegranate Molasses and Honey Dressing
Main Course
Moroccan Chicken Tagine
Braised Chicken with Saffron, Preserved Lemon, Garlic, and Olives
Steamed Citrus Cous Cous
Oven Baked Sea Bass in Aromatic Chermoula Sauce
Baked Potatoes, Bell Peppers and Tomatoes
Vegetarian Option
Vegetable Barley Cous Cous
Squash, Cabbage, Turnips, Chick Peas, Almonds and Fiery Harissa Spice Mix
Dessert
Malva Pudding
Spongy Apricot Pudding with Cardamom
Fig and Sesame Tart
Cardamom and Orange Cream
